History

The initiative began as an outreach of Abundant Life Church in 2005. Every Friday evening Pastor Joe Cancelliere and volunteers hit the streets equipped with 100 brown bag meals, personal items, and clothes. Consequently, the bus ministry grew to be a staple in surrounding communities as it made its rounds to pick up men, women and children living in shelters and disadvantaged areas. Participants were transported to our Springfield headquarters where they took part in programs and received compassion and loving care. As the need for services increased, Samaritan Outreach Services was birthed in 2012. Through the newly formed 501c3 they were able to move beyond feeding, establish a work program and eventually secure a rental property for our sober living facility called, the Samaritan House.